Math 304-08: Linear Algebra

Spring 2023

To the main 304 course site for Spring 2023. Most of the information you need is there. Here is specific information for my section, 08.

Teacher

Thomas Zaslavsky
Office: WH-216
Email: zaslav@math.binghamton.edu

Office hours

My regular office hours are M, W, F: 12:00–2:00. Drop in! You do not need an appointment. If I'm not in my office, I am probably nearby and will be back shortly...
Also by appointment at other times. See me or email to make an appointment.

Course description

Syllabus

The textbook is Math 304: Linear Algebra from zyBooks. To get the book and for the list of topics and sections covered, see the main 304 site. (Note: Do not confuse this with the zyBook called Linear Algebra.)

Textbook use

SIGN UP FOR Math 304: Linear Algebra. Do not sign up for Linear Algebra. To sign up for the book:
1. Sign in or create an account at learn.zybooks.com
2. Enter zyBook code: BINGHAMTONMATH304Spring2023
3. Subscribe

When you sign up, you get online access until June. For doing exercises, you need online access. That is what zyBooks means by "rent".

You get points for doing exercises. The more exercises (and the more correct), the more points. The points are automatic.

You can download each chapter to have a non-interactive copy in your computer forever. You can't use it for exercise credit, but you can keep it as your linear algebra reference in future courses.

Course goals

Develop theoretical and computational skills in basic linear algebra in low and high dimensions.

Four-dimensional geometry

This entertaining story about a four-dimensional house is recommended (and nontechnical).

Homework Readings and Problems

I will not cover everything in lectures; you have to learn a lot by reading for yourself.

I encourage you to form study groups. Discussion with other students is a big part of learning math.

I expect everyone to read the assigned sections carefully before the lecture.

Regarding Sections 6.6-7, you are required to study my supplemental notes for better explanations and corrections.

Homework assignments

See the main 304 site. You will benefit if you religiously do the homework. I highly recommend the problems in the textbooks (see the main 304 page for the list). I do encourage you to work together. That does not include looking up solutions on line (or off line), not even at Khan Academy, whose solutions often are not good. If you find a solution on line, DO NOT USE IT. I know from experience that using outside resources tends to lower your grade. Instead, email me or see me in person.

Examinations and grading

See the 304 course site.

Quizzes

There will be many short quizzes. There are no make-up quizzes. There will be quizzes approximately weekly, usually on Friday.

Previous quizzes:

Exam policy

See the 304 course site. Notably:

University PHOTO ID is required to take all exams.
No electronics are allowed during exams or quizzes.

Additions and corrections to the textbook

See the list below and also the PDF file.

Section 2.1. We don't make much use of angles for directions in R², but you know that adding or subtracting 360° doesn't change the direction, so (for example) the direction −60° = the direction 300°.
The magnitude of a vector is also called length.
There are two kinds of parametric forms of the equation of a line in Rⁿ. There is the vector parametric form which uses one vector equation, r = r₀ + t v (where v is a vector in the direction of the line), and the coordinate parametric form which uses n scalar equations, x₁ = x₀₁ + t v₀₁, x₂ = x₀₂ + t v₀₂, etc. The parameter is t = any real number. (The book only calls the second form "parametric", but they are both parametric.)
Sections 6.6-7: Coordinatization and linear transformations. There are some mistakes and some things that are confusing. Read my supplement for better explanations and corrections. (You are responsible for the content of the supplement.)

Classroom behavior

Always turn your cell phone to silent before entering the classroom. No cell phone use is allowed except for classwork, such as consulting the textbook. If you do use your phone otherwise, I may confiscate your device for the rest of the class.

To the main 304 course site.